Sell your business in British Columbia

Most sales close 6 to 10 months after going to market, typically following up to a year of preparation. Where the buyer is applying through the BC Provincial Nominee Program, the immigration process extends the timeline. How long a sale takes

In a share sale of a qualifying small business corporation, each owner can exempt up to $1,275,000 of capital gains in 2026 under the lifetime capital gains exemption. Gains above that are taxed at a top combined federal and BC rate of about 26.75 percent. Taxes when you sell

In an asset sale, the buyer will typically require one. The certificate confirms that all PST owing has been paid, and a buyer who closes without it becomes liable for any unpaid amount. The buyer applies online or on Form FIN 447 with the seller’s consent. Selling a business in BC

It applies when land or buildings are transferred to the buyer. The rate is 1 percent on the first $200,000 of fair market value, 2 percent up to $2 million and 3 percent above, so a $1.5 million commercial building carries $28,000 in tax. Keeping the real estate

Under section 97 of the Employment Standards Act, employment is deemed continuous through a sale. The buyer assumes each employee’s length of service from the original hire date, while the seller remains responsible for any employee terminated before closing. What happens to your employees

Yes. The Entrepreneur Immigration Base stream allows a foreign entrepreneur to acquire an established BC business that the current owner has operated for at least five years. The buyer generally acquires at least one third of the company and must invest a minimum of $200,000. Selling to a BC PNP buyer

Some owners who already have a buyer complete a sale with their lawyer and accountant alone. An advisor brings a wider set of buyers from across Canada and abroad, maintains confidentiality until each buyer signs an NDA, and negotiates price and terms through closing. Hiring a business broker in BC